Double Axicon Line Focus for Brittle Glass Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laser-based separation methods for transparent, brittle workpieces, such as glass, often damage the beam-forming components and require complex adjustments, limiting their effectiveness and precision.
Innovation Solution
A device utilizing a one-piece double axicon that adjusts the laser beam's intensity below the threshold of the axicon material, transforming the beam into a ring beam which is then recombined to form a line focus with a maximum intensity higher than the workpiece's threshold, allowing for precise processing without damaging the beam-forming components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If a single axicon is used to form a line focus, then the processing length is extended, but the laser beam intensity exceeds the threshold of the axicon material causing damage to the beam-forming component
Solution Approach 1:
The single axicon is divided into two separate axicons (first axicon and second axicon) arranged in sequence. The first axicon converts the laser beam into a ring beam at a first position, and the second axicon converts the ring beam into a line focus at a second position. This segmentation allows the laser beam intensity to be distributed and controlled such that it does not exceed the threshold intensity of either axicon material, preventing damage while achieving the required line focus length.
2Manufacturing precision
If the laser beam intensity is increased to improve processing quality, then the edge quality improves, but the beam-forming components are damaged
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the beam-forming function across two axicons, the system can maintain high laser beam intensity at the line focus for improved edge quality while distributing the intensity load such that no single axicon experiences intensity exceeding its threshold, thus preventing damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The ring beam formed by the first axicon acts as an intermediary state between the initial laser beam and the final line focus. This intermediate ring beam configuration allows for controlled intensity distribution, enabling the second axicon to form a high-intensity line focus without the first axicon being exposed to damaging intensity levels.
3Device complexity
If conventional single axicon configuration is used, then the device structure is simple, but the alignment sensitivity is high and processing precision is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The optical system is segmented into two axicons with distinct functions: the first axicon creates a ring beam and the second axicon creates the line focus. This segmentation, while increasing structural complexity, provides better control over the beam transformation process, reducing alignment sensitivity and improving processing precision through optimized intensity distribution.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach enables longer intensity profiles along the line focus, enhancing edge quality and reducing sensitivity to optical alignment variations, while preventing damage to the beam-forming components, thus improving the processing quality and robustness of the device.
Implementation Method 1
The entrance surface is designed in such a way that a ring beam is formed in the double axicon
Implementation Method 2
The exit surface is such that a line focus having a maximum intensity and a length arises in the direction of the laser beam behind the exit surface
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides a device and a method for laser-based separation of a transparent, brittle workpiece, comprising a laser that emits a laser beam having an intensity (IL) along an optical axis (P), and an optical device. The optical device has at least one one-piece double axicon. The double axicon has an entrance surface and the optical device has an exit surface. The entrance surface is such that in the double axicon, a ring beam is formed. The intensity (IL) in the double axicon is lower than the threshold intensity (IS) of the material of the double axicon. The exit surface is such that a line focus having a maximum intensity (Imax) and a length (LT) is generated in the direction of the laser beam behind the exit.